CRIMINALS are being warned against targeting tourist destinations in the North-East this holiday season.

Northumbria Police is sending a stark message to thieves thinking of visiting Northumberland.

Every year, the warmer weather brings crooks from the towns and cities to rural areas, intent on committing crime. But officers in Northumberland have pledged to come down hard on them as they enforce Chief Constable Mike Craik's pledge of total policing.

Community Inspector Bob Charlton said: "The area is renowned as an extremely safe place to live, work and visit and we want to reassure everyone it will stay that way. We have a simple message for criminals - stay away.

"Operations to target travelling criminals will be running throughout the year to ensure Northumberland keeps its reputation as a very low crime area. We would also appeal to residents to let us know if they see anything at all suspicious so we can act immediately.